The Des Moines Register reports that administrative law judge Jan Berry ruled March 31 that workers could display the pins on their uniforms or clothes.

The pins were distributed by the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees, a union that representing 40,000 public employees in Iowa. The pins depict a black and white photograph of Branstad's face bisected by a red diagonal slash with the words "NOTHING HAS CHANGED."

Branstad's administration tried to ban the pins after employees at the Iowa Medical and Classification Center in Coralville wore them on the job.

Administration officials said Friday they consider the pins to be disparaging and may appeal the decision.